Fixing a pull rope, on a Craftsman blower that doesn't retract fully.

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Thanks for watching. This blower should work, but it's a real pain to start, because the rope won't retract back into the blower.

[@TecumsehRulesbcserk]

Usually if we get a very light dusting of snow that is just enough to cover the driveway and sidewalks, I will just use my Craftsman leaf blower to clear it off. It actually works surprisingly well on the snow.

[@HomeGaragechannel]

that works too, thank you Smallengineworld BCSERK

[@Turningwrenches85]

I agree I would clean the spring also like the old saying if it ain't broke don't fix it and it looks like all that needed was cleaned and lubrication on it. 👍

[@HomeGaragechannel]

thank you Turning_wrenches85

[@apatterson8128]

That's why most residential power equipment is considered "disposable." They make it ridiculously difficult to repair anything without taking the majority of the machine apart. The average homeowner usually wont attempt it, and when they take it to a shop, the shop says that it would cost more to fix than the machine is worth. I think that's called planned obsolescence. Great video, by the way.

[@HomeGaragechannel]

I completely agree with you.

[@Blue-bf8lv]

amazing fix/restore!

[@HomeGaragechannel]

thank you

[@cancelhandles]

I practically wanted to cry imagining taking those screws out and putting them back with hand tools. No way I'd deal with that thing for long.

[@HomeGaragechannel]

I hear ya.

[@ClydeKeef]

Personally I prefer cleaning it and thanks for your wisdom in doing so maybe I can fix the recoil on my craftsman gas powered blower vac 😊

[@HomeGaragechannel]

me too and thank you

[@EzRay11]

Damn, that was a ton of work just to access the spring! I couldn’t help but picture some Fat Cat engineer, sitting in his comfy chair by the fire, sipping his latte and thinking what great design he dreamed up. That’s ridiculous. Anyway, after all that work I would have cleaned the spring if it wasn’t too far gone. Cheers

[@HomeGaragechannel]

Thank you Ez Ray.

[@electroddxful]

Awesome repair my friend. 👍🙏👍🙏👍🙏

[@HomeGaragechannel]

Thanks for the visit

[@thaoph1]

Awesome video man! Helped me on mine! Thanks!!

[@HomeGaragechannel]

No problem 👍

[@charlesduboise5198]

The rubber insulaters are supposed to dampen the vibration to help keep from getting carpal tunnel syndrome I have had several weed trimmers with them thats what the book said for the weed trimmers

[@HomeGaragechannel]

thank you for the explanation

[@Patrick4959]

well for me if that was my leaf blower i would try cleaning off the surface rust and also around the housing and interior properly and test it wisely before i replace the recoil spring and if it works like it,s suppose to well that,s awesome and if it,s too damaged to repair then that,s when i would consider the option of replacing the recoil spring too cheers from Australia to your area mate.

[@HomeGaragechannel]

thank you Patrick Stapleton.

[@Patrick4959]

@@HomeGaragechannel my pleasure mate stay safe.

[@joeortiz3455]

Clean , lube,reshape end of spring , and whammo back in service, right away!then order a spring for later when it does end up breaking!

[@HomeGaragechannel]

very good suggestions

[@joeortiz3455]

Thank you for noticing my post, I truly enjoy your channel and learn copious amounts of small engine education!again thank you for being there!

[@HomeGaragechannel]

no problem and thank you for your time.

[@smallengines1018]

I have a question. When you press the kill switch what happens to the engine? Does it cut off the fuel? How does it actually kill the engine?

[@HomeGaragechannel]

it grounds the ignition coil, so there's no more spark and the engine stops.

[@garyhiggins4333]

Good fix they can be a pain in the arse them springs 😄

[@HomeGaragechannel]

you're right about that.

[@adinko7]

Do you have any tips to remove a stuck bolt on a plastic fan in a troyblit leaf blower? Without a impact drill and known unscreving diecion.

[@HomeGaragechannel]

I need more information. What is the model number, that way I can see what yours looks like.

[@adinko7]

@@HomeGaragechannel i is a troy bilt tb310qs

[@HomeGaragechannel]

thanks, that helped out a lot. So unfortunately I have never taken the fan, off this engine before. So I couldn't tell you, what direction to turn the Bolt.

[@adinko7]

Ok thanks for your time. Love your videos keep up the great work.

[@HomeGaragechannel]

no problem and thanks

[@tatersalad2067]

Try walking the spring into that metal retainer. Place the end of the spring into the retainer and work towards the middle of the spring.

[@HomeGaragechannel]

hmm.. that's a pretty good idea. Is that you do?

[@tatersalad2067]

Depending on how deep the recessed recoil assembly is. Sometimes you have no choice but to do it by hand. Echo blowers for example. I have a E-Z wind spring winder. Sometimes trying to get it to work is a bigger pain. That’s when I break out the gloves and a pair of needle nose vise grips. I keep old retainers for that reason. Stihl uses plastic retainers on bunch of models.

[@HomeGaragechannel]

thank you for the information

[@butler386]

Oh wow that is a lot of screwing around. I would try fixing the spring first and then replace if the cleaning did not work to my satisfaction. However I am not sure my unit is worth my time and frustration doing this. I usually am very efficient when doing something like this and have several parts left over. So is that a bad thing? Thanks for the video.

[@HomeGaragechannel]

no problem and thank you D Butler.

[@skyner3299]

I have the same blower, does anyone know where I can find a replacement pulley?

[@StudCity718]

Hey brother. Any ideas why a blower would let out white smoke out the muffler? Bad gas? Needs adjustment? Thanks

[@HomeGaragechannel]

on a 2 stroke, smoke out of the muffler, typically means that your OIL/Fuel is off, usually meaning you have too much oil, than you need.

[@StudCity718]

@@HomeGaragechannel whats weird is that i used that same gas/oil on another blower and string trimmer and it doesn't do that. That particular blower didn't always did it either with that same gas. Happened recently.

[@HomeGaragechannel]

that's good information to know. The only other reason I could come up with, is that the engine is running with too much fuel. Has the performance changed any?

[@StudCity718]

@@HomeGaragechannel seems like it takes a bit rev up. About a few seconds delay

[@HomeGaragechannel]

I would try buying a quart of the Premix fuel in a can, for $5, just to see it does it on that fuel as well.

[@MrGattor33]

Honestly I'd say it really depends on how bad that spring is. Yours looked kind of rusty so I'd be a little Leary on just cleaning it; probably would replace it to save the headache of it breaking. Just my 2¢.... lol Another good video tho, well done 👍🏼

[@HomeGaragechannel]

you are extremely attentive, yep, the spring was probably worse than I was leading on. More than likely I'll have to modify to lubricate externally, or just replace the spring.

[@jameshedrick6839]

I use my blower year round. It works great on light fluffy snow. Even mine has those rubber isolators in the handle. I will usually clean and lubricate it and still order a replacement just so i have one on hand if i need it

[@HomeGaragechannel]

very good idea.

[@timtoro244]

Hello Home Garage my snow blower pull rope broke I don't know how to fix it

[@HomeGaragechannel]

sounds like you're going to have to find some videos then.

[@tannerjohnson1057]

I have this blower it has 95 psi is that enough to run it

[@HomeGaragechannel]

very nice!

[@tannerjohnson1057]

@@HomeGaragechannel I’m asking is 95 psi enough to run the blower

[@rickthelian2215]

A repairs labour bill will give the owner an easy choice to repair, whist still working a customer would of continued using it. Don’t buy the other tube, I often only use one tube on my Stihl A imbedded nail works great to recoil spring easier.

[@HomeGaragechannel]

Great point!

[@mikespain8655]

Not a service friendly blower (pain to take all the screws out, etc.). Most people will put up with a recoil rope not retracting properly for that reason.

[@HomeGaragechannel]

I hate to say it but I would want to use it either, if the problem wouldn't go away either. Thank you Mike Spain.

[@lucasbergfors9446]

I suggest using working gloves when winding up starting rope springs to prevent your hands from getting wounded from the spring's edges 😄

[@HomeGaragechannel]

that's a good idea.

[@lucasbergfors9446]

@@HomeGaragechannel i always wear working gloves to not get my hands dirty when i do jobs where i need them or handle objects with sharp edges 😄

[@robertmailhos8159]

Rust .is a enemy I don't like it but it's part of the life of metal

[@HomeGaragechannel]

so very true

[@24space310]

If that was mine the blower i would do a sloppy job on assembly.

[@HomeGaragechannel]

once you've done it once, putting it back isn't as tough

[@christophermarshall5765]

I do what you did, & have done so in the past with mowers & line trimmers.

[@HomeGaragechannel]

thank you Christopher Marshall.

[@mlxx4612]

Great stuff as usual,Mike from Quebec minus 10 here and got 12 inches of snow last night 👍🏻

[@HomeGaragechannel]

thank you mix x, we only got 3" last night.

[@5roundsrapid263]

Minus 10F or C?

[@mlxx4612]

@@5roundsrapid263 Celsius ⛄️

[@alexandercosta1777]

I think many people get frustrated with fixing leaf blowers, especially the pull rope when it breaks, i think its also because their aren’t a lot of how too’s videos on how to replace it, your videos are a great assistance to those who want to learn.

[@HomeGaragechannel]

I really appreciate that Alexander Costa.

[@mikespain8655]

There are tons of how to videos in general on KZbin. People don't fix equipment or things in general because they are lazy, have limited tools, limited interest, and limited skills.

[@HomeGaragechannel]

very well said.

[@watermanone7567]

I would do what you did, but those blowers are a pain in the butt to work on. Great fix.

[@HomeGaragechannel]

thank you Waterman one.

[@brianking1138]

I would clean it because I'm cheap and that blower isn't worth much.

[@HomeGaragechannel]

lol... me too.

[@mrmerhtin3625]

cleaning and lubricating, one less thing going to the landfill.

[@HomeGaragechannel]

you are absolutely correct

[@jerrysoutherland662]

You can use the housing the spring came out of, to rewind the spring easier on your hands just saying.

[@HomeGaragechannel]

you mean the plastic part? or the metal? possibly but I'm not sure how to go about it

[@jerrysoutherland662]

The plastic part that snaps in at the the bracket at the engine.Steve small engine saloon has a video on how to do it.

[@themowerman]

Good tip about unwinding the spring first.. I normally get people shoe up with the spring in a bag.. lol

[@HomeGaragechannel]

lol.. it's happened to me too. thank you Mick

[@johncassano4348]

I truly appreciate your knowledge and expertise in working on the tools. Your explanations are right on.... I have the same craftsman blower, and also chose to repair than replace.... My question is, why does my blower STILL not start afte doing all the repairs to start the unit as it has previously. the back story is: i used the vaccuum feature wondefully as usual. However, it wasn't able to be started after. Replaced plug, cleaned air filter, cleaned carburator, replaced fuel and fuel filter. Checked fuel lines and bulb- all good. Pointing finger at ignition coil- but spark still giving spark. Now thinking kill switch broken?

[@HomeGaragechannel]

sure, take the plug out and leave it like that for a day or two to make sure engine is not flooded with extra fuel. Then pop out the kill switch and disconnect either wire and the try staring it, first without choke and then with it.

[@ramadinsookhoo6141]

Nice video bro. My wacker had the same issue some time ago. The pull rope would stretch out and wouldn't retract. What I did was tap it where the spring would be with the spanner and it would retract. I eventually sprayed it with wd40 and I have no problems with it again

[@HomeGaragechannel]

I'll have to remember that trick. thank you Ramadin Sookhoo.

[@ramadinsookhoo6141]

@@HomeGaragechannel you're welcome bro. Sometimes when you're on the move you got to solve little problems on the go and make it work for you. This trick most likely will work with equipment which have the pull rope assembly on the outer part of the equipment

[@garymucher4082]

Face it, an absolutely very poor design...period! Poulin is the exact same, and probably others that look the same design but different color. And that is why I bought a Stihl and never looked back. Only a few dollars more, and it has been flawless for many many years... JMHO

[@HomeGaragechannel]

I know right. If I had known better, I never would have bought it.

[@williamsnow1531]

I would clean it first and if it gives you problems in the hear future, then I would spend the $7.00 and replace it. My moto is waste not, want not. Thanks fir the awesome videos. I have learned so much from you.

[@HomeGaragechannel]

no problem and thank you William Snow.

[@richardgomez2637]

Hello I want to say thanks for the time to put this video together. You save me 125.00. Thank you 🙏

[@HomeGaragechannel]

Glad I could help

[@mr1pearl]

What a pain in the Bleep wow ! Did someone pull this out of the pond what the hec ? One thing you really taught me on this one is patience 👊

[@HomeGaragechannel]

I know right, thank you Bill Clement.

[@wildefox1478]

Nice work, I would just try to fix it by cleaning and lubricating the spring.

[@HomeGaragechannel]

that's what I would do to, easier, and I don't have to buy and wait for a spring.

[@joshboyer8449]

I have a chainsaw I would love to send you to make a possible video of you are interested

[@HomeGaragechannel]

not at the moment, But I really do appreciate the offer.

[@aussienebula8331]

Yep agree, clean and lube the spring If its still good. Cheers

[@HomeGaragechannel]

Thank you Aussie nebula

[@dougbaker9473]

Clean and lube it . I would get the rest of the tube myself .

[@HomeGaragechannel]

thank you Doug Baker, that's what I plan on doing.

[@RussellBooth1977]

I would just clean the spring !

[@HomeGaragechannel]

me too.

[@weedeaterkid666]

Hi

[@HomeGaragechannel]

hello

[@tomlewis3658]

That was a nice repair. You made the rewinding part look easy, when in fact, it can be tedious. Personally, I would buy a new spring, which would be shipped compressed, and be a bit easier to get the rope started. That's what I have done a few times over the years when the recoil spring in Briggs & Stratton engines failed. Of course, those springs are larger & under more tension than the one in this blower.

[@HomeGaragechannel]

yes I hate to say it, But I don't find it challenging to wind them anymore. The first time I did this, yes it was very painful.

[@der_pinguin44]

215 mph!

[@der_pinguin44]

That's 3 faster than I've ever been in a car.

[@HomeGaragechannel]

I doubt it could actually get there.

[@der_pinguin44]

@@HomeGaragechannel there's always an asterisk when they're advertising those numbers.

[@getyourkicksagain]

My hands started cramping up just watching you wind that spring the way I _used_ to do it. There is a _much_ easier way and it requires no tools or fixtures. Locate the outer hook of the spring and fit it into the notch of the outer rim of the metal housing. Make sure you have it going the correct way. Holding the hook down in its notch, start laying the spring _from the outside in_ , placing it around the inner rim of the housing. Continue "walking" in turn after turn, holding each addditional coil as you go around. As long as you do not let it lift out of the housing, each coil will stay against the previous one under its own pressure. When the entire spring has been fed in, ease up slowly and it will stay in the housing under its own pressure, unless you drop or bang it against something. Your hand muscles will thank you.

[@HomeGaragechannel]

thank you for all the tips.